Table of contents

Overview

Parents who were impacted by the closure of their child care provider due to the E. coli outbreak declared by Alberta Health Services on September 4, 2023, can apply for a one-time payment of $2000 per child.

This payment is made on compassionate grounds for the purpose of alleviating hardship to affected families.

This payment is not intended to compensate for any losses you have experienced, and you are not required to waive any legal rights to be eligible.

Eligibility

You may qualify for the compassionate payment if your:

  • licensed child care provider was closed by AHS due to the E. coli outbreak declared by AHS on September 4, 2023;
  • licensed child care provider was partially closed by AHS due to the E. coli outbreak declared by AHS on September 4, 2023, and your child was impacted (i.e. in one of the parts of the child care closed); or
  • your child was subject to an AHS exclusion order due to the E. coli outbreak declared by AHS on September 4, 2023.

See the list of licensed child care providers affected by the outbreak.

You are not eligible if:

  • your child care provider was closed or your child was subject to an exclusionary order for other reasons
  • your child’s enrollment was cancelled prior to the time of the closure, partial closure or exclusion order

How it works

  • You are able to enroll for up to 60 days following the rescinding or expiry of the Alberta Health Services order.
  • Payments will be made by e-transfer.
  • The compassionate payment is non-taxable and does not need to be repaid.
  • If you receive AISH or Income Support benefits, it will not affect your payments.

How to get your compassionate payment

  • Step 1. Sign up for an Alberta.ca Account

    Sign up for a pending or verified Alberta.ca Account. You need it to apply online.

    If you already have one, skip ahead to Step 2: Apply.

    • An Alberta.ca Account is a secure and confidential way to prove your identity online.
      • If you already have a 'basic' account, you will need to upgrade by adding your valid Alberta driver's licence or ID card to your profile.
      • Once your ID is entered, your account will be upgraded to 'pending verified'. You can now apply for your payment. You do not need to wait for the activation code to arrive in the mail to be able to apply.
    • Each Alberta.ca Account must have a unique, individual email address.
      • It is not possible to create 2 accounts using the same email address.
      • There are many free email providers (gmail, yahoo, hotmail).

    Sign up for an Alberta.ca Account

    Verified vs. pending verified account

    • A 'pending verified' account means you have added your ID to your profile but have not yet entered the activation code that will arrive in the mail. You can apply for your compassionate payment at this stage.
    • A 'verified' account means you have completed both steps to confirm your identity. You will be able to access all available services.

  • Step 2. Apply for compassionate payment

    Apply for the compassionate payment online for up to 60 days following the rescinding or expiry of the Alberta Health Services order.

    Apply online now

Get help

For questions or assistance with your online application:

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